Security high alert in Islamabad to remain till Eid, says IGP

Published August 6, 2013
A massive traffic jam can be seen due to police checks post on Islamabad Highway on Tuesday. – INP Photo
A massive traffic jam can be seen due to police checks post on Islamabad Highway on Tuesday. – INP Photo

ISLAMABAD: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Sikandar Hyat on Tuesday said that security in the federal capital is on high alert and it would be maintained through Eid holidays also.

Speaking to media representatives after an Iftar dinner, the IGP said that security alerts were received a few days back, after which security was put on high alert.

The security forces had scoured the Margalla hills surrounding the capital and sent additional units to protect key installations amid tightened security across the country on Monday.

Security was beefed up on the heels of intelligence reports citing potential militant attacks on key installations including headquarters of Pakistan Navy, Airforce and the Parliament House.

The IGP said that shopping and other activities related to the Muslim festival are at peak therefore high security would be maintained till Eid-ul-Fitr, expected to fall either on Friday or Saturday.

Hyat urged the people, which are travelling to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their dear ones, to inform Islamabad police before their departure due to security reasons.

Regarding checking at police posts, he said that strength would be added there for effective checking and to avoid inconvenience to people especially road users.

To a question about the suspension of Station House Officers of Islamabad police stations, the IGP said they would not be given same nature of assignment in future. He said there is no political pressure for their induction on same post and every decision would be made on merit.

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